Ghana's President Atta Mills Reported Dead

â€œIt is with a heavy heart," according to the statement as reported by Reuters, "that we announce the sudden and untimely death of the president of the Republic of Ghana.â€

[Global: Africa]

Ghana’s President JohnAtta Mills has died today, according to a statement from the president's office.

The death has been confirmed by sources in Ghana.“It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow," according to the statement, "that we announce the sudden and untimely death of the president of the Republic of Ghana.”

The statement said the president, 68, died a few hours after being taken ill but no further details were given. The president died while receiving treatment at 37 Military Hospital, the statement said.

Atta Mills was inaugurated on January 7, 2009, after he defeated NanaAkufo-Addo, the ruling party's candidate in the 2008 vote. He was VicePresident from 1997 to 2001 under President Jerry Rawlings. He made twounsuccessful runs for the presidency, in 2000 and in 2004 before hisvictory.